Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Investigation into detention of Asylum seekers welcomed

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality has welcomed the launchof
an investigation into the detention of Asylum seekers by the Human RightsCommission
and suggested that today's series of visits should be followed upby a
cross party delegation.

Ms Ruane said:

"Sinn Féin have
long-standing concerns about the detention of Asylum Seekersin prisons
here and the conditions in which they are housed. It is clearthat
Asylum Seekers should not be detained in prison. Their detention isnothing
less than internment. Republicans know only too well the impact thatthis
has on individuals and families. It only serves to increase theuncertainty
and hardship that Asylum Seekers face.

"Central to the Peace
Process and the Good Friday Agreement is thevindication and protection
of the Human Rights of all. This must include theHuman Rights of
Asylum Seekers. Over 5 years ago Sinn Féin brought thisissue to
the Assembly and called for the implementation of therecommendations
of the Law Centre report 'Sanctuary in a Cell'.

"Yet despite a
political mandate for action - including the ending of theunnecessary
detention of Asylum Seekers, the creation of non-custodialalternatives,
the designation of the British Home Office under section 75and full
access to free legal advice and welfare and community services - 5years
on the NIO have done nothing to end this disgrace.

"Fifteen
months ago a Sinn Féin delegation met with Asylum Seekers beingheld
in Crumlin Road Prison as part of a fact finding mission. BeforeChristmas
Sinn Féin meet with Shaun Woodward to again voice our seriousconcerns
about a number of issues surrounding our prisons, particularly inrelation
to the conditions faced by women in Hydebank and the imprisonmentof
Asylum Seekers.

"The recent ruling that slopping out violated the
rights of prisonershighlights some of the difficulties and the need to
ensure a human rightsethos, both for Asylum Seekers who should not
even be detained in prison andfor prisoners." ENDS